Ukraine seeks financial support for at least 10 years to maintain 800,000-strong army – AFP
Kyiv wants to receive financial support for at least 10 years to maintain an 800,000-strong army in order to defend itself against a possible future attack by Russia.
AFP reports on this, according to Censor.NET.
What is known?
Putin has repeatedly rejected proposals for a broader ceasefire and has vowed to continue the Russian military offensive in Ukraine.
The inclusion of diplomat Sergey Ryabkov in Russia’s delegation attests to the seriousness of its intentions to renew its demand for a review of the long-standing European security architecture. It was he who, prior to the start of the full-scale invasion, voiced Moscow’s demand for the withdrawal of NATO forces from Eastern Europe.
Earlier, a source in the Russian delegation stated that resolving the war is "just one item on the agenda," and that Moscow's main goal is to overhaul the security system "for the entire continent."
"A high-ranking Ukrainian source told AFP that Ukraine wants to secure financial support for at least 10 years to maintain an 800,000-strong army capable of defending the country against any future Russian attack," the article states.
Trilateral Talks in Abu Dhabi
- On November 10, talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations, mediated by the United States, took place in the UAE. This is the first such meeting since February 2026.
- Prior to its meeting with Russia, Ukraine held talks with representatives from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, NATO, and the European Commission, which were also joined by U.S. Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
- The Ukrainian delegation, led by Rustem Umerov, head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, includes Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine; Davyd Arakhamia, chair of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction; Serhiy Kyslytsia, first deputy head of the Office of the President; and Vadym Skibitsky, deputy chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense.
- The Russian delegation is led by Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Also participating in the meeting in Abu Dhabi on behalf of Russia will be Igor Kostyukov and Yuri Zhigalovsky, representatives of two departments of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, as well as Sergey Ryabkov and Mikhail Galuzin, deputy foreign ministers of Russia.
- At the same time, NATO is represented in Abu Dhabi by Chief of Staff Jeffrey van Leuven, who serves as the chief strategic advisor to Alliance Secretary General Mark Rutte.
